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Lexus HS250h

The Lexus HS250h compact sedan manages to marry upscale amenities with the fuel economy of a typical hybrid subcompact. While the four-door HS250h doesn’t get quite the mileage rating of its hatchback hybrid sibling, the CT200h, it makes up for it with quicker acceleration, more space, and a longer list of premium features.

Powered by the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder Atkinson-cycle hybrid engine found in the Toyota Camry hybrid, the front-wheel drive luxury compact can achieve zero to 60 mph acceleration in a relatively quick 8.4 seconds. Rather than borrow from other Toyota or Lexus vehicles, Lexus gave the HS250h a unique chassis that is smaller than a Camry yet larger than a Corolla.

The HS250h was designed with a number of efficiency-improving technologies. For instance, drivers of the vehicle can choose from several driving modes. In addition to the Normal mode, the Power mode offers a more responsive acceleration and an EV mode reduces emissions by drawing power from only the electrical system. A high-tech wire shifting system frees up interior space that would normally be occupied by a shifter. Regenerative brakes have the ability to transform braking energy into electricity, which is used to recharge the hybrid’s batteries.

On the outside, the HS250h features a fastback roofline, aerodynamic hood, sporty alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. Lexus intentionally designed the interior with eco-conscious materials such as plant-based plastics, kenaf fibers, and castor oil. As with most Lexus models, the inside of the five-passenger HS250h boasts upscale appointments such as high-grade leather upholstery, wood trim, and a standard power sunroof.

Two trim levels, a base and Premium, are offered. The main difference between the two is a selection of options available only with the Premium.

About the Lexus HS250h

The Lexus HS250h is known for combining an efficient hybrid engine with a multitude of high-end amenities.

The HS250h’s 2.4-liter engine combines with a duo of electric motor/generators to create 187 horsepower, which is transferred to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission. The system produces faster acceleration than many other compact hybrids, including the Toyota Prius. EPA estimates give the HS250h a combined fuel economy rating of 35 mpg.

As of 2012, the HS250h was one of few entry-level luxury hybrid compacts. High-quality leather, wood trim, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and full power accessories help set it apart from reliable but less luxurious rivals such as the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and Ford Fusion Hybrid.

Lexus HS250h Features

The 2012 HS250h is offered in a base and Premium trim. Both trim levels are equipped with the same 2.4-liter engine.

A variety of single options are available, including rear parking sensors, front and rear parking cameras, a rear spoiler, a premium Mark Levinson audio system, adaptive LED headlamps, and an HDD navigation system with real-time weather, traffic, sports, and stock market information. A Technology Package available with the Premium trim features adaptive cruise control, a lane-departure warning notification system, a driver-attention monitor, a heads-up system that displays navigation information directly on the windshield, and a pre-collision system.

Standard safety features on both trims include front and rear seat-mounted airbags, side curtain airbags, dual front knee airbags, stability and traction control, and antilock disc brakes with brake assist. A pre-collision system is available in a separate package.

The near-3,700-pound Lexus HS250h measures 184.8 inches in length, 59.3 inches in height, and 70.3 inches in width. It has a wheelbase of 106.3 inches and a ground clearance of 6.1 inches. Interior space is about average for a compact vehicle, with front passengers receiving 38 inches of head room and 42.6 inches of leg room and rear passengers getting 36.8 inches of head room and 34.5 inches of leg room.

While the rear seats do not fold down like they do in the CT200h, Lexus engineers were able to achieve a better-than-average trunk capacity of 12.1 cubic feet by strategically placing hybrid components throughout the car. Storage space is maximized with the help of a front console, front and rear cup holders, and a folding center armrest.

Buyers can choose from 10 different exterior colors and seven interior color combinations.

Select a Lexus HS250h Year

The HS 250h was all new for 2010, so no mechanical or interior changes were announced for the new model year. There was a safety recall that happened for the 2010 HS, which involved reprogramming the antilock brakes. Otherwise, the only news is with exterior color changes: Satin Cashmere Metallic replaces Golden Almond Metallic, Deep Sea Mica replaces Black Sapphire Pearl, and Aurora White Pearl has been discontinued.